PreForm 2.18.0 is a recommended update, which includes several new features and several changes that focus on improving the efficiency and versatility of support structures.

New:

Print directly on the build platform. Enable “On Build Platform” in the Supports menu to print parts directly on the build platform and to generate supports only where necessary. These supports adhere to the build platform with small pads, instead of the typical raft (or base).

Replace model. When a source STL or OBJ file is updated, right-click the model in PreForm, then select “Replace” to load the revised file. PreForm preserves the model size, orientation, and support configurations for minor changes to the source file.

Onboarding tour. Learn about PreForm from a guided explanation during start-up or from the Help menu.

Modified:

Smaller print rafts for ring-shaped parts. The raft has been modified to reduce resin consumption, reduce print times, and ease part removal.

Simultaneously select and edit multiple support touchpoints. In the Supports menu, select “Edit All…,” then select multiple touchpoints. Change the touchpoint size or delete the selected touchpoints. While editing supports, choose to enable or disable internal supports, and see real-time updates.

Global supports. PreForm calculates each part’s stiffness and stability and adjusts support structures to reduce a part’s risk of flexing during printing.

Early layer unioning improves adherence when printing without a raft.
Increased heater target temperature for Tough Resin to improve adherence.

Lots of amazing additions ! I just tried the “on build platform” feature and it’s a godsend ! Very happy about the Replace model feature too, this will save so much time when iterating with small designe changes.

DKirch:

Global supports. PreForm calculates each part’s stiffness and stability and adjusts support structures to reduce a part’s risk of flexing during printing.

Is that is a “new” functionality added to the “existing” support algorithm, or did the feature exist already and you enhanced it ?

Aren’t you afraid that this will increase part deformation ? During long Tough prints my printer often gets as hot as 37°C (room temp is 22-24°C), and we know that the fully reticulated resin already gets kinda soft at 45°C. Tough is already hard to deal with when printing parts with “low” (2-3mm) wall thickness relative to the size of the part.

The global support change is an additional factor that gets computed when automatic support generation is determining where to place supports. It generally does a better job of reducing layer shifting on long, narrow objects, but doesn’t really change anything on more compact objects.

Replace model. When a source STL or OBJ file is updated, right-click the model in PreForm, then select “Replace” to load the revised file. PreForm preserves the model size, orientation, and support configurations for minor changes to the source file.

I know I do Bitch a Fair amount but I also have to give Kudos when they are due… This changes in 2.18 are very nice… I LOVE the replace function… This is already saving me bunches of time as add support Raft/sprues to my parts so this lets me update the part without having to apply all new supports… THANK YOU…